With Wi-Fi 6 routers now hitting the main stream, how do you go about getting that old Desktop hooked on this new tech? Introducing the D-Link DWA-X3000 Wi-Fi 6 PCIe adapter. Equipped with omni-directional high-performance antennas, the DWA-X3000 has been designed for maximum coverage and performance. To top it off, the DWA-X3000 offers ultra-fast Bluetooth® 5.1 connectivity to your PC so you can easily connect to various bluetooth devices like game controllers, headphones, and keyboards without any additional adapters.

Features and Specifications

Enhanced data speeds up to 2.7x faster than previous standards
Multiple adjustable antennas ensure high speeds and unbroken connections
Magnetised antenna base allows fine-tuning of antenna positioning, while keeping it firmly secured in place once set
Easy installation, fits into any standard PCIe interface
Headphones, mice, keyboards and even game controllers stay reliably connected thanks to Bluetooth 5.1
Supports WPA3™ encryption — the latest Wi-Fi security for greater protection
Heatsink maintains optimal operating temperatures even when the heat is on

Network Adapter Device Type :	PCI Wi-Fi Adapter
Dimensions (Size) :	121 x 79 x 25 mm
Low Profile Bracket :	Yes
Warranty :	1-Year Limited Warranty
Bands :	Dual Band
USB Interface :	PCI Express
Wi-Fi Speed :	AX3000 (574 + 2402 Mbps)

Unboxing the DWA-X3000

The DWA-X3000 comes in a very elegant box and highlights its key functionalities.

The DWA-X3000 comes with a separate magnetized antenna base which hosts two multi directional antennas for the widest Wi-Fi coverage.

A heatsink on the main chipset ensures stability during extended high demand situations.

The magnetic antenna base is certainly one of the plus points of the DWA-X3000 with its omni-directional high-performance antennas that are capable of rotating full 360 degrees. You have the option of not using the antenna base and directly connect the antennas to the device itself if space was a concern.

However given that it has a magnetic base, you do get some creative options on where to place the base unit.

D-Link includes a low profile bracket with the standard package for wider compatibility.

Installation is pretty straight forward, connect to any available PCIe slot and install the provided drivers via the CD and you’re good to go. If you’re on Windows 10 the unit will be installed automatically with generic drivers, however make sure you install the D-Link provided drivers for best performance.

Performance

We paired the performance of the DWA-X3000 against a EDUP WiFi 6 Card Bluetooth 5.0 with Heat Sink, PCIe Network Card AX 3000Mbps. Amazon link here.

Conclusion

As the test results show, the DWA-X3000 outperforms the EDUP WiFi unit with a clear lead. Make sure the D-Link provided drivers are installed or you will see your performance drop less than the EDUP WiFi unit which is what we experienced during our testing.

You can find the DWA-X3000 retailing around AU$109 even though the actual retail price is AU$149.95 making this a great buy if you’re looking to upgrade your desktop PC to Wi-Fi 6. Having tested the unit for around a month it has proved to work flawlessly. Streaming 4K movies from the LAN, performing large file transfers, gaming and movie streaming on Netflix, Prime video etc, the DWA-X3000 has performed as expected.